Mikel Arteta has affirmed that Edu's exit as sporting director will not derail Arsenal's progress but acknowledged that losing one of his key collaborators came as an unexpected blow. The Brazilian's resignation was announced on Monday, with Edu set to join the multi-club network owned by Nottingham Forest's Evangelos Marinakis. Arsenal reportedly tried but failed to retain Edu, even offering to match the enhanced salary reportedly offered by Marinakis. Currently, no successor is in place for a role that was non-existent at Arsenal before the former midfielder took it up in November 2022. Arteta, whose team is set to face Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday night, expressed his disappointment in losing Edu but remains confident in Arsenal's ability to find a suitable replacement.

"Everything unfolded rapidly," Arteta said of Edu's departure. "I greatly valued our collaboration and the journey we shared. From the outset, we worked closely together, and I am personally thankful for all his contributions to the club. We shared a unique chemistry and enjoyed our partnership. He now has a remarkable opportunity in a different role, and he feels it's the right professional step for him. We must respect his decision and wish him the best."

When asked if he had a message for the club's supporters, Arteta added: "The plan and vision initiated by the ownership is crystal clear—it will persist. We have a robust leadership team with extensive expertise and a deep passion for the club. We won't halt our progress and will continue to strive forward. The excitement, passion, and clarity of our journey's direction remain unaltered, which opens doors for someone else to step in and fulfill their role. We must move forward, as that's the nature of our industry."

Declan Rice did not travel to Italy due to a foot injury sustained in Saturday's loss to Newcastle, with Arteta revealing the England midfielder was "uncomfortable wearing his boot." It's uncertain if he'll be fit to face Chelsea on Sunday, but there was positive news regarding captain Martin Ødegaard, who joined the team after missing the last 12 matches due to an injury sustained on international duty with Norway.

"He's a bit ahead of our expectations, but he wanted to be with the team, so we'll decide tomorrow whether to include him or not," Arteta said. "But it's a significant step that he's traveled with us and is part of the team."

Arsenal enters the Inter match having failed to win any of their last three Premier League games but remains unbeaten in the Champions League after three matches. Bukayo Saka is expected to continue as captain if Ødegaard doesn't start at San Siro, and he emphasized that he hasn't felt the need to rally the team despite recent poor results.

"I would if I felt it necessary, but it's crucial not to overreact," he said. "There's a lot of noise around the club, and we've lost two games and drawn another. But it's important to stay composed—doing all these things can either create calm or a bit more panic and chaos. I don't think we need that right now. So, I'm just doing my best to support the team in every way possible, and if I need to do that, I will for sure."

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